January 28, 2011

Thrust

Christopher “Thrust” France maybe best remembered for his verse on the Rascalz classic, DJ Kemo produced “Northern Touch“, featuring Canadian notables Choclair and Kardinal Offishall. But his legacy stretches much further than a dope 12” or a couple of popular music videos. Living in Toronto – Thrust’s home and arguably the center of mainstream “urban” culture in Canada – it’s clear that the man’s incredibly popular. Little known fact: Thrust appeared in a 1990 Kids in the Hall skit (he was 15 at the time) and for the past few years, he has served as a music instructor, teaching hip hop production (as well as the occasional history lesson) at Harris College. He is probably the youngest Canadian hip hop artist to date and gained much of his hip hop identity from the source – summers in New York City circa late ‘80s-early-‘90s. With the exception of some pioneers: Michie Mee, Maestro, Dream Warriors and a handful of others, few in Canada were making rap music or breaking into the U.S. market, getting radio play or making a living on it. In the days before broadband and before everybody and their best-friend’s homie rapped or made beats, hip hop in Canada only played on a few select radio stations across the country. This is the environment where Thrust came up in, which makes him a significant figure – even if you can’t name one of his albums. I caught up with a slimmer, rejuvenated Thrust at “Slept-On Studios” on Toronto’s East side.

twitter.com/thrustmuzik
thechosenones1.bandcamp.com

12 Responses

  1. This is dope. Definitely feelin’ the video interviews, hope to see more soon. Chosen Are Few is one of my favorite canadian rap records for sure.

  2. great interview. awesome personality. i remember him always having a great selection of beats behind him back in the day

  3. Thrust is definitely a legend! When I say the Rage video on rap city I lost my mind! So classic! I was able to get the 12″ from him on some real cool trade type styles back in the day! Emcee is such an amazing track as well. This was awesome!!!

    Jon B super sick! Keep on bringing it like this! I need to get on the video tipe! Noyz real sick intro animation!

  4. That’s what I’m talkin’ about! Raw talent is one thing but a personality like that… good sense and so down to earth… that’s what produces staying power. More power to ya cuz!

  5. yea thats whats up! big thrust fan from long time… rage and emcee are still on my vhs music video mix i occasionally break out…big ups Jon on the interview…and most likely ms Kim/girl next door for the Thrust link

  6. Word Thrust is a Legend and hip hop is his blood.
    Small correction, Thrust was 19yrs old when he did the skit with Kids in the Hall, and for your viewing pleasure…

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiW2_7hs13g

    Check this interview: Props to Dj Manifest
    http://www.cityonmyback.com/2011/02/08/audio-thrust-interview-w-toronto-morning-live/comment-page-1/#comment-4918

    And as always tune into The Urban Hang Suite this week, you may just catch a little Thrust??

  7. Ahhh sheeee… great interview, thanks for bringing it!
    This is what Canadian hip hop represents, Thrust – one of the great ambassadors.

    Respekt.

  8. always had love for thrust, his stuff is so fuckin ill, especially his collabs with choclair